Trans and non-binary toolkit published
IP Inclusive's IP Out community has launched a comprehensive Trans Toolkit to help us and other IP organisations create more supportive environments for transgender and non-binary professionals.
The toolkit, published on Trade Day of Visibility – 31st March 2025, provides practical guidance and template documents that organisations can implement immediately.
The toolkit is an important step towards ensuring all members of the IP community feel valued and supported in their professional lives.
Click here to download the toolkit
Comprehensive resources for organisations
The Trans Toolkit includes five key components designed to help organisations become more inclusive:
- A list of practical actions organisations can take to improve trans and non-binary inclusion
- A transition/change of gender expression roadmap
- A template trans and non-binary inclusion policy
- A guide for people managers supporting transitioning team members
- A glossary of terms relating to trans and non-binary identities
These resources offer IP organisations a framework to develop supportive policies and practices that go beyond minimum legal requirements.
Supporting our members through transition
The toolkit specifically addresses how professional bodies, including us, can support members who are transitioning or changing their gender expression.
We have confirmed our commitment to supporting members changing their names and details as easily as possible.
You are able to update your details via your CITMA website profile. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or if you require a new membership certificate to be issued.
Practical guidance for organisations
The toolkit recommends several actions organisations can implement, including:
- Reviewing and updating existing policies to consider the needs of trans people
- Implementing specific policies on transition/change of gender expression
- Enabling the presentation of pronouns in workplace communications
- Exploring the provision of gender-neutral facilities
- Using gender-inclusive language throughout the organisation
It also highlights relevant awareness periods throughout the year when organisations can show visible support for the trans community.
Supporting people managers
A key element of the toolkit is guidance for people managers who may not feel adequately informed when a team member discloses they are transitioning or considering changing their gender expression.
The guide provides suggested questions for initial conversations and emphasises the importance of confidentiality and ongoing support.
It also directs managers to educational resources where they can learn more about supporting trans and non-binary colleagues.
Access to the toolkit
IP professionals can access the full Trans Toolkit through IP Inclusive's website. The resource is available for all IP organisations, regardless of whether they are formal signatories to the IP Inclusive Charter.
We encourage all our members to review this valuable resource and consider how they can implement its recommendations within their organisations.
By adopting the toolkit's guidance, our members can help ensure the intellectual property profession remains at the forefront of workplace inclusion, creating environments where all professionals can thrive regardless of gender identity.